Thursday, 15 June 2023
Stories and events of the Kaurareg homeland of Kaiwalagal, the Torres Strait homeland and Cape York homelands of the Anggamuthi, Atambaya, Wuthathi, Yadhaykenu and Gudang Peoples.
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Search fails to find missing woman A search and rescue operation after a 68-year-old woman went missing from a vessel which overturned near Mabuiag Island last week was suspended on Monday. Well-known Speech Pathologist Wendy Richardson was one of three people on board when an emergency beacon was activated around 2pm on 8 June. A 34-year-old male and a 22-year-old
female were located shortly after by the rescue helicopter, approximately three nautical miles off the southeast end of the island. The missing woman’s family and the Queensland Police Service, acknowledged the contribution of all those involved in the search, including volunteers and the community. Senior Police Liasion Officer Thomas Pedro TI Water Police also acknowledged
families for their efforts. “To the families on Mabuiag and Badu Island, big Eso for your assistance in the search for Wendy,” he said. “It was a tragic incident that occurred. “On behalf of TI Water Police we want to extend our appreciation – big Eso for your time. “Just a kindly reminder to all communities, we want to ensure everyone is carrying safety
equipment and wearing life jackets when travelling in rough weather.” The surface and aerial search involved multiple aircraft and vessels, including the QPV William Conroy and QPV GJ Olive; however, all efforts failed to locate Ms Richardson. See P3 for an update on passenger flights in and out of Mabuaig and Darnley N
Federal Court hears climate change case BY CHRISTINE HOWES Federal Court hearings on Country for the landmark Australian Climate Case are very important to Guda Maluyligal plaintiff Uncle Pabai Pabai (inset pic), even though they are just, as he describes it, the first steps. In October 2021 he and Uncle Paul Kabai filed a case against the Australian government which argued they had a duty of care to ensure Torres Strait Islanders were not harmed by climate change. The Court, which has been to the islands of Boigu, Badu and Saibai, started hearing evidence of the climate harms experienced by these communities earlier this month. They are all on the frontline of Australia’s impending climate disaster. Uncle Pabai said it was what they needed.
Saibai locals, Eliab Dai, Nemiah Dai, Edward Sam and Samuel Gibia wait for court to set up on the sea wall. Pics Ruby Mitchell, Grata Fund. “This is why I’m bringing the court over to my community, to tell the judge the truth,” he said. “It’s very important to me, my people, my ancestors and the generation to come. “My whole focus on this
case was to get the judge to visit the sights, the erosion, and to see the impact that had been causing to my community.” He said as they had travelled he was grateful for the support they had received. “Because we’re talking
about my ancestors, my people, my elders, and my young generation to come,” he said. “My community and my people are fully supportive in this case, even the churches that are engaged in this case are very supportive – I need to thank
my community for that.” He said they had made some very powerful statements. “I believe my evidence is very strong,” he said. “And it’s very powerful. “This is a milestone to me, and I believe that this is
just the first step. “This is not only for Boigu, Saibai and Badu, this is for the whole Torres Strait Islanders and the Zenadth Kes, and the brothers and sisters on the mainland.” See P6 for more N
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